997.1 TT as semi-DD

[Twinbo]

Hi guys,

Any previous or current owners of 997.1 TT have experience with driving theirs in colder climates as a semi-DD? What I mean is that they used them during "shoulder seasons" as a daly driver.

This car would not be used through deep winter, but would have winter tires on it for fall and early spring.

My main areas of concern are:
- ground clearance - did you do damage to the bodywork because of ruts
- did winter tires completely take away the fun of the car in winter
- any mechanical issues directly relating to cold weather driving (radiators damaged due to rocks, brake and suspension corrosion etc)

Anyone actually use the back seats for a child seat? I don't have kids yet but as it goes in Game of Thrones - "winter is coming."

Any feedback on ownership/maintenance/fun to drive is welcome!

Thanks

[dapopa9]

911 that is parked outside my office often with 2 car seats in the back

[KennyPowers]

I have driven about 2000 miles in a 997.1 tt (auto )

Pluses

-amazing motor
-compliant suspension
-epic point and shoot handling / steering
-looks badass

Minuses

-really small and very little cargo space
-ummm, expensive?

It's a phenomenal car. It pulls like a monster and is just awesome to drive. But it's really small. That would be my only reservation. My 1m is similar in some ways but with way more space, but the n54 can't hang with the mezger Porsche motor....

If you can deal with the space, it's an amazing machine

Edit : the front lip is low and you WILL scrape it. But it's plastic and can be replaced

[apecush]

Originally Posted by dapopa9

911 that is parked outside my office often with 2 car seats in the back

cripes, that in no way looks safe for those kids.

[kchu221]

Originally Posted by dapopa9

911 that is parked outside my office often with 2 car seats in the back

that is fuckin awesome!

[W///]

Originally Posted by KennyPowers

I have driven about 2000 miles in a 997.1 tt (auto )

Pluses

-amazing motor
-compliant suspension
-epic point and shoot handling / steering
-looks badass

Minuses

-really small and very little cargo space
-ummm, expensive?

It's a phenomenal car. It pulls like a monster and is just awesome to drive. But it's really small. That would be my only reservation. My 1m is similar in some ways but with way more space, but the n54 can't hang with the mezger Porsche motor....

If you can deal with the space, it's an amazing machine

Edit : the front lip is low and you WILL scrape it. But it's plastic and can be replaced

Wait, how is your 1M hanging with a 997.1 TT? That's the next car I plan to add.

[chris s]

Originally Posted by apecush

cripes, that in no way looks safe for those kids.

+1

[Twinbo]

Thanks KP. The space is the big concern (for a rear facing child seat). I just don't see any car that offers what the e90 M3 does as far as practicality and performance for a DD. I could go to a coupe for looks, but I think the e90 looks 95% as good with 40% more usability.
My hesitation to the e90 is that they are being replaced with the new one. And I saw a F30 with the M Package in Estoril Blue and it looked amazing. Could only imagine what the M3 will look like.

[Chriskm3]

Originally Posted by Twinbo

Thanks KP. The space is the big concern (for a rear facing child seat). I just don't see any car that offers what the e90 M3 does as far as practicality and performance for a DD. I could go to a coupe for looks, but I think the e90 looks 95% as good with 40% more usability.
My hesitation to the e90 is that they are being replaced with the new one. And I saw a F30 with the M Package in Estoril Blue and it looked amazing. Could only imagine what the M3 will look like.

Me too. I love the e92 and the e46 m3s. Next one should b epic

[Sandye90m3]

I've seen quite a bit of 911 used in winter. Especially with the four wheel drive, it is apparently an amazing winter vehicle. It has also gone through extensive winter testing from Porsche prior to launch. I think in the 2007 CarandDriver magazine, they could not stop commending how well the 997.1T performed in winter.

Also, Calgary winters are normal just cold. Living there for 6 years, there has been very low amount of snow accumulation compared to other cities (Toronto), if I'm not mistaken, we rarely see more than 15cm of snow at a time. Obviously, there were a couple of days were the snow was 30+cm but to be honest, in Calgary it is very rare.

[KennyPowers]

Originally Posted by Twinbo

Thanks KP. The space is the big concern (for a rear facing child seat). I just don't see any car that offers what the e90 M3 does as far as practicality and performance for a DD. I could go to a coupe for looks, but I think the e90 looks 95% as good with 40% more usability.
My hesitation to the e90 is that they are being replaced with the new one. And I saw a F30 with the M Package in Estoril Blue and it looked amazing. Could only imagine what the M3 will look like.

The 997 tt and m3 feel very different to me. I used to own a 6mt e90.

I liked it, but the 997tt is a powerhouse compared to the m3. It would rip the m3 in a straight line, and has better steering and front end grip.

The m3 is sweet and feels good, but the 997 tt is a much better performer.

The acceleration and feel of the motors is totally different. The 997tt rips from idle to redline. It's a monster

[Twinbo]

Originally Posted by KennyPowers

The 997 tt and m3 feel very different to me. I used to own a 6mt e90.

I liked it, but the 997tt is a powerhouse compared to the m3. It would rip the m3 in a straight line, and has better steering and front end grip.

The m3 is sweet and feels good, but the 997 tt is a much better performer.

The acceleration and feel of the motors is totally different. The 997tt rips from idle to redline. It's a monster

Agreed the TT is a better car but as you mentioned in your first response you pay to play.

It's a lot of coin and maybe one or two compromises I probably can't make. I know the car behaves well in the snow but you are still on the road with other drivers in winter who don't take the precautions all of us "good" drivers do right

[bga23]

There are a lot of guys who DD their 997.1 TT on Rennlist.

[Beemw335]

I say if you could comfortably afford the 997, then get it and enjoy it while you can(kids would be young).
As kid get a bit older your going to need a suv or atleast a big car.
Have fun while you can.

[STALKER]

I will be DD my 2013 991 C4S, its not an exotic...meant to be driven.

You will not get a rear facing car seat in it, don't even bother, also the 997 does not have the lower two tether points for car seats, which is a big issue for me. My 2 year old is forward facing and will see time in the 991. The 991 has all three tether points, so its fine for kids.

You can get a deactivation kit, plus a special kit to put the car seat in the front, but double check on it.

In Toronto, you see a lot of different Pcars in winter, its just on really snowy days the car will de difficult to use because of the ground clearance.

[vinnycg]

I traded my 08 M3 for a 07 997TT. The cars are absolutely different in terms of power delivery and feel. The M is very predictable in acceleration whereas the 997tt gets there so quick, that you have to be prepared to shift alot quicker.

I do not daily drive my 997tt nor did I the e92. However, I will say that the m is indeed the more practical of the two. I honestly miss my M for its high rev and just overall relaxed feel. However, everytime I look at my 997tt I am grinning from ear to ear.

As for carseats, the Porsche carseats seem to work the best. They are pricey but it is what it is. I just purchased a Graco comfortsport seat for my two year old. It requires removing the rear seat cushion which is held by velcro.

Good luck on your decision. Both cars are amazing and are unique from a driver feel perspective. There are a ton of guys who daily drive the 997tt and find it to be very functional.


-Vin